Does Sarasota Have a Baseball Team?
Sarasota, Florida is a beautiful coastal city located on the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a popular destination for tourists and a great place to live. But does Sarasota have a baseball team?
The answer is yes, the Sarasota Sharks are a Major League Baseball (MLB) affiliated team that plays in the Florida State League. The team was founded in 1962 as the Sarasota Sun Sox, and was renamed the Sarasota Sharks in 2017. The Sharks are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, and they play their home games at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota.
History of the Sarasota Sharks
The Sarasota team was founded in 1962 as the Sarasota Sun Sox. The Sun Sox were a member of the Florida State League and played at Payne Park in Sarasota. They were affiliated with the Pittsburgh Pirates for their first two seasons, then became an independent team.
In 1965, the Sun Sox joined the Southern League and changed their name to the Sarasota White Sox. They were affiliated with the Chicago White Sox from 1965-1967. The White Sox moved to Charlotte in 1968 and were replaced by the Sarasota Rangers, affiliated with the Texas Rangers from 1968-1973.
In 1974, the Sarasota Rangers changed their name to the Sarasota Cubs, affiliated with the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs stayed in Sarasota until 1987, when they moved to Daytona Beach and became the Daytona Cubs.
The Sarasota team was dormant until 1989, when the Sarasota Red Sox were formed. The Red Sox were affiliated with the Boston Red Sox and played at Payne Park until 2015. The Red Sox relocated to Salem, Virginia in 2016, and the team was reborn as the Sarasota Sharks.
Sharks Stadium
The Sharks play their home games at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. This 8,500-seat stadium was built in 1989 and is located in downtown Sarasota. It has been the home of the Sarasota team since 1989 and is the spring training home of the Baltimore Orioles.
The stadium features an open-air concourse, a variety of food and beverage options, and a grass berm for fans to sit on. The stadium also features a children’s play area, a picnic area, and a gift shop.
Sarasota Sharks Roster
The Sarasota Sharks roster is made up of players from the Tampa Bay Rays organization. The team is managed by former Major League player and coach Dave Collins, who has been with the team since 2017.
The Sharks roster is composed of players from the Rookie, A-Advanced, and Double-A levels. The team features several highly rated prospects, including shortstop Wander Franco, outfielder Jesus Sanchez, and pitcher Shane Baz.
Ticket Prices
The Sarasota Sharks offer a variety of ticket packages for fans to choose from. Single-game tickets range from $5 for lawn seating to $20 for box seats. Fans can also purchase season tickets, which range from $200 for lawn seating to $750 for box seats.
Team Performance
The Sarasota Sharks have had a successful run since they joined the Florida State League in 2017. The team won the FSL Championship in 2018 and finished in second place in 2019. The Sharks have also made the playoffs in each of their three seasons in the league.
Sharks Fans
The Sarasota Sharks have a passionate fan base that loves to cheer on the team. The fans are loud and supportive, and they take part in the many promotions and activities at the ballpark.
The Sharks also have an active fan club, the Shark Tank, which meets regularly to discuss the team and plan events. The Shark Tank also hosts tailgate parties and other special events throughout the season.
Community Involvement
The Sarasota Sharks are deeply involved in the community and take part in various charitable and educational initiatives. The team partners with local organizations to promote youth development, literacy, and health and wellness.
The Sharks also host many special events throughout the year, such as the Sarasota Sharks Summer Camp, which provides area youth with an opportunity to learn and develop their skills in a fun and safe environment.
Watching the Sarasota Sharks
The Sarasota Sharks play their home games at Ed Smith Stadium, located in downtown Sarasota. Fans can attend games in person, or watch the games on television or streaming services.
The Sharks are also featured on radio broadcasts throughout the season. Fans can listen to the games on the Sharks Radio Network, which features stations in Sarasota and the surrounding area.
Conclusion
The Sarasota Sharks are a Major League Baseball affiliated team that plays in the Florida State League. The team was founded in 1962 as the Sarasota Sun Sox and was renamed the Sarasota Sharks in 2017. The Sharks play their home games at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota and feature a roster of talented prospects from the Tampa Bay Rays organization.
The Sharks are deeply involved in the community, and the team’s fan base is passionate and supportive. Fans can attend games in person, or watch and listen to the games on television and radio.
The Sarasota Sharks are a great addition to the Sarasota community and a great source of entertainment for local baseball fans.